Chicago's skyline gets most of the attention, but some of the city's most breathtaking spaces are tucked just inside its doorways. This guided walking tour of downtown Chicago, IL trades the sidewalk view for a look within, stepping into interiors from the decades when the city was flush with money, confidence, and a flair for the dramatic. Think gilded ceilings, shimmering mosaics, and lobbies built to impress, each with a story about the ambitions of the era that created it.

The mood is part history lesson, part treasure hunt, with every doorway revealing something unexpected. It's a favorite for history lovers, design enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys finding something hidden in plain sight, and it has been recognized among the best walking tours in the world. As a gift, it's an elegant way to see a familiar city in a whole new light.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All age groups are welcome.
• Physical limitations: Need to be able to walk on paved, flat terrain with some stairs. A step-free alternate route is available.
• Experience level: All levels are welcome, no architecture knowledge needed.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: All participants must pay to participate, children included.
• Individuals with disabilities: This tour offers moderate wheelchair and walker access, with ramps and alternate routes available, and service animals are welcome. Some stops can be noisy, so listening devices are provided. Sign language interpretation is available with at least two weeks' notice by contacting tickets@architecture.org.
• Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed. Service animals are welcome.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: 2 hours
• What's included: Guided walking tour with indoor visits to landmark interiors, plus one day of Chicago Architecture Center admission, valid within 7 days of the tour.
• Who will be present: You will have a CAC-certified guide, trained in Chicago's architecture and history, with you at all times. Other guests will be joining.
• Photo/video: Photos are allowed and encouraged.
• Specific rules to follow: Be respectful inside the buildings visited, as many are working hotels, shops, and public spaces.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: Rain or shine, the experience will be running. The tour combines outdoor walking with indoor stops.
• Arrival: Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes in advance at the Chicago Architecture Center.
• Parking: Discounted parking is available at 111 E. Wacker Drive for up to 4 hours. The Center is also easy to reach by CTA train (Clark/Lake, Lake, and Washington stations), CTA bus, or Metra.
• What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate layers.
• What to bring:
  • An umbrella or rain jacket, since tours run rain or shine
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle on warm days
  • Gloves and a warm layer in colder months
  • A phone or camera for the many photo stops along the route
  • Secure storage for luggage and strollers is not available, so pack light
• Restrooms/lockers/changing rooms: Restrooms are available at the Chicago Architecture Center before departure. Lockers and luggage storage are not available.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds or rescheduling are allowed once the experience is booked.